A GWV Rebels best-and-fairest will make his AFL debut in one of the biggest games on the game's calendar.
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Jay Rantall will run out for Collingwood against Essendon at the MCG on Anzac day.
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The second-year Magpie thrust his name into selection calculations with a 25-disposal best-on-ground effort in the VFL last weekend.
Rantall, 19, was told of his debut in front of his teammates on Thursday.
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said the midfielder with elite endurance deserved his chance.
"When I have observed you the past four to six weeks, I just see a kid who has a smile on his face, who is more settled in his own skin and we're seeing that translate into your training and playing performances," he said.
"It is well earned. Your strengths are going to be important for us.
"You get up and down the ground insistently and you'll do it for four quarters."
Rantall arrived at Collingwood via pick 40 in the 2019 AFL draft after a standout season for NAB League club GWV Rebels.
He committed himself to football after representing Australia at the FIBA under 17 world cup.
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